On Xu Yuanchong’s English Translation Of Xixiang J/from The Perspective Of Reception Theory

The object of this study is Xu Yuanchong’s English translation of Xixiang Ji.Taking the reception theory as its theoretical framework, the present studies how thetranslator’s “horizon of expectation” influences his comprehension and translation ofXixiang Ji. After making a detailed analysis of Xu’s translation work, especially aclose examination of its characteristics, the author concludes that target readers aretaken full into consideration in Xu’s translating process.In addition to the introduction and the conclusion, this thesis is divided into fourchapters. Chapter One reviews previous studies of the application of reception theoryin literary works, studies of the English translation of Xixiang Ji and studies of XuYuanchong’s translation of Xixiang Ji. Chapter Two introduces the origin,development and main concepts of the reception theory. Jauss’s “horizon ofexpectation” and “aesthetic distance”, Iser’s “blanks and indeterminacies” arepresented in some detail. Chapter Three exemplifies and explains the influence of XuYuanchong’s horizon of expectation on his comprehension and translation of XixiangJi. Chapter Four is devoted to a detailed analysis of how Xu Yuanchong takes histarget readers into consideration when he translates Xixiang Ji.All in all, this thesis makes a thorough and systematic study of Xu Yuanchong’sEnglish translation of Xixiang Ji. It is hoped that such an analytical study can not onlyshed some light on translation studies in general but also help with the spread ofChinese classical literary works and the Chinese culture to the world.